This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, all cooked in one pan! Perfect for busy weeknights!
You’ll love how quick it is to make! Just layer the noodles, chicken, and cheese, then let it simmer. Less mess means more time for a second helping—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can easily swap with cooked rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey if you’re looking for a quicker option. Both add great flavor without much prep!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep that creamy texture.
Lasagna Noodles: The no-boil noodles save time, but you can use regular lasagna noodles if you prefer. Just cook them according to the package before adding to the skillet.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but don’t hesitate to mix it up! You can use provolone or fontina for a unique twist. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor, but garlic powder in a pinch can also work. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder for the three cloves.
How Do I Make Sure My Skillet Lasagna Is Creamy and Cheesy?
To get that perfect creamy texture and golden top, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the chicken fully before removing it from the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce.
- Make sure to simmer your cream and broth before adding the noodles. This helps them absorb flavor while they cook.
- When broiling, keep a close eye! The cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so stay nearby.
Finally, let it sit for a couple of minutes after broiling. This helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet Lasagna:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces to fit skillet
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, careful not to let it burn.
3. Create the Creamy Base:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—a perfect time for those lovely flavors to meld together!
4. Add the Noodles:
Toss the broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, submerging them in the creamy sauce. Cook everything together, gently stirring occasionally, until the noodles start to soften but are not fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Add the Cheeses and Chicken:
Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly across the softened noodles. Then, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, giving it a little stir to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Top with Cheese:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Yum!
7. Broil to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler. Broil for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown on top. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done broiling, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top as well.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your hot White Chicken Skillet Lasagna right away! Scoop generous portions to savor the rich, creamy layers and tender chicken. Enjoy this comforting, home-cooked meal!
This one-pan wonder is sure to delight your family and become a favorite in your recipe collection! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or use shredded turkey if you prefer. Just make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the chicken and garlic, and store them in the fridge. You can also mix the cheeses together and place them in a separate container. Just combine everything and cook when you’re ready for a delicious dinner.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread on the side is a great complement!